BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - (June 19, 2005) - Street rods, muscle cars and classics had their day in the sun, as fifty of themost beautiful vehicles in the land paraded down the Beech Bend drag strip following an awards presentation for the Soffseal Show-n-Shine, part of the final day of the 3rd annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes. The 50 were chosen as the best from among more than 1,200 cars and trucks that entered the event. "Choosing the top fifty vehicles from among such an outstanding field was very difficult," said Reunion Event Director Bob Daniels. "These cars bring back memories for both their owners and for the thousands who came to the Reunion to see them." Daniels and his wife Eileen have worked with the NHRA almost since its inception in 1951 and help organize and judge thestreet rod competition. "It may be trite, but they just don't make 'em like this any more," said Daniels. Judged the Best of the Best were such classic vehicles as Ron Thorpe's '32 Ford, Rich Gregorski's '41 Willys and Bunky Bobo's '40 Willys. "These vehicles are an important part of the history of hot rodding," said Sam Jackson, Executive Director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. "Their presence at the Reunion helps to bring together various parts of our sport, letting everyone see these historic icons." Eldon and Nancy Miller of Lawrenceberg, Ind. won the DuPont "Hot Hues" award and the Creitz and Donovan Top Fuel dragster won the award for best restoration paint. Legendary restorer Tom Hanna, of Wichita, Kan., won the "Grand Marshal's Pick" award from "Gentleman Joe" Schubeck. Hanna restored the Creitz and Donovan car as well as the CroshierBaltes-Lavato car to name just a few.

The Holley National Hot Rod Reunion, presented by DuPont Automotive Finishes, is produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, located in Pomona, Calif. The National Hot Rod Reunion is part of the museum's "living history" philosophy, which works to bring to life the sites, sounds and people who made history in the early days of drag racing, land speed racing and the golden age of American car culture. The Reunion includes a wide variety of activities and events, including: * NHRA vintage drag racing, featuring some the sport's most famous and historic cars and drivers, racing in such classes at Top Fuel, Supercharged Gassers, classic Funny Cars and Super Stocks * Street rod "show and shine," presented by SoffSeal, with gleaming pre-1972 hot rods, custom cars, classics and muscle cars. "Memory Lane" held a display of nostalgic race cars.. * Parish Heacock Pit Pass Barbeque on Saturday afternoon at the oval track. * Concert by Gary Lewis and The Playboys, presented by GMP * Cacklefest on Saturday evening, where nitro-burning historic, front-engine top-fuel dragsters and other classic race cars are push started just like in the "old days." * Swap meet and Reunion Midway filled with manufacturer exhibits and demonstrations* A separate amusement park with rides and games for all ages adjacent to the park.

Thank You Michael Hollander for the Daily updates on the NHRA National Hot Rod ReunionFor more information on the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum go to http://museum.nhra.com